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Are you looking for a no stretch strap for your crochet bag? Saggy crochet straps are genuinely one of the most frustrating things in crochet — I once had potatoes in a market bag and even at 5’11 the straps stretched nearly to my knees. That experience sent me on a mission to develop every possible no stretch bag strap solution, and this slim decorative version is one of my favorites.
This strap has a beautiful decorative texture that comes from the wrapped double crochet stitch worked between the V’s of the row below — it looks far more intricate than three rows of stitches have any right to. Because it is worked sideways along its length rather than in short back-and-forth rows, it resists stretch from two directions simultaneously. It is the strap I designed for the Camellia designer handbag and it suits any fashion bag where a slim elegant strap fits the aesthetic.
This strap requires hardware — D-rings, swivel hooks, or lobster clasps — for attachment. It is not worked directly into the bag body.
About This Slim No Stretch Crochet Bag Strap
This slim decorative no stretch crochet bag strap was originally designed for the Camellia designer crochet handbag — a fashion bag where a thin elegant strap suits the silhouette better than a wide utilitarian one. It uses half double crochet and wrapped double crochet stitches worked sideways — meaning the strap is crocheted lengthwise rather than in short rows — which adds an extra layer of sturdiness by working against the natural pull direction of the stitches.
This strap requires hardware — D-rings, swivel clasps, or lobster hooks — and is not worked directly into the bag. For a strap worked directly into the top of your bag with no hardware, see the woven look no hardware strap instead. This is one of five no stretch strap styles covered in the full strap comparison guide.
Are you looking for a no-stretch strap for your crochet bag? Saggy crochet straps on bags – absolutely no one has time for that! I recount the time I had some potatoes in a crochet market bag and even at my 5’11 height the bag straps stretched down nearly to my knees!
I felt disappointed I put some much time into making a bag that instantly became a disappointment because of it. That will never happen again thanks to all the nonstretchy bag strap patterns I now have! And I am sharing them with you my fellow crocheter.
This post is one of the solutions.
This style of strap needs hardware. It is not worked directly onto the bag.
This is one of the five options I have on this website for you to make a bag strap for your crochet project that won’t sag to your knees.
Pattern Details at a Glance
Style: Slim decorative strap — best for fashion bags, crossbody bags and wristlets
Hook: 1-2 sizes smaller than yarn label recommends Yarn: 100% cotton or low-stretch fiber — shown in cotton
Technique: Worked lengthwise – chains equal the length of your strap Stitches: Half double crochet, wrapped double crochet, slip stitch Rows: 3 rows total
Attachment: Hardware required — D-rings, swivel hooks, lobster clasps or wooden rings
Skill level: Beginner — three simple rows
US crochet terms: Yes
Table of Contents
This is a lovely thin crochet strap with a great stiffness while still being flexible. In this post I will teach you this very simple set of beginner stitches worked in combination to show you how to crochet a bag strap.
Because of how decorative this looks it would make a lovely slim crochet headband. Connect the ends to a hair elastic after you’ve worked it up in a fun yarn color.
See all 5 types of no stretch crochet bag straps
This post is for the crochet strap for bags style that is attached via hardware or with an opening in the top crochet rows of the bag. The other style uses the same principles but is worked directly in the top rows of the bag. See the post for a woven look crochet bag strap . Both have video tutorials located at the end of the post.
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While this strap likely won’t be suited to a market bag, it is great for fashion bags of all types. (for a no stretch crochet bag strap worked directly into the top of the bag check out this post.)
I developed this decorative low-stretch purse strap for the Camellia designer crochet bag and not only is it attractive but it truly has very little stretch. You may be surprised how mighty it is for just a few rows or crochet stitches.
I use the principles of low and non-stretch crochet stitches below to create a variety of no-stretch bag strap options.
You may like this post on the five best low stretch crochet stitches for your projects like cardigans and blankets.
Three Tips for Making a No Stretch Crochet Bag Strap
- Use a no stretch (or very little stretch) yarn like 100% cotton.
- Go down one or two sizes of the hook recommended on the yarn you’re using. This reduces space to stretch with every row and every stitch.
- Use supportive stitches that work together to support the stitches above and next to them.
How to Attach a Crochet Bag Strap with Hardware
To attach a crochet strap to your bag, it is important to consider the type of strap that will work best with your bag. Not every strap style is suitable for every bag.
There are several options available to attach your strap. One popular method is to add the strap once the bag is completed, rather than working it into the body design. This allows for more flexibility in choosing the strap style and ensures that it complements the overall look of the bag.
To do this you will use hardware to attach the strap. This can be done by sewing on D-rings or swivel hooks to the bag- or wooden rings, and then attaching the strap to these hardware pieces. This method provides a secure attachment and allows for easy removal or interchangeability of the strap. Whether you use metal or wood all depends on the style of bag you’re making!
Additionally, you can consider using magnetic snaps or lobster clasps to attach the strap to the bag.
When choosing the hardware for attaching the strap, make sure to select pieces that are sturdy and durable, as they will bear the weight of the bag. It is also important to consider the aesthetic appeal of the hardware and ensure that it complements the overall design of the bag.
I use hardware from Bringberry.
By carefully considering the attachment method and selecting the appropriate hardware, you can create a crochet strap that not only adds functionality to your bag but also enhances its overall appearance. To me, hardware really elevates any crochet handbag.
I recommend attaching it how it’s shown here wrapping around the handle holder you’ve chosen. Just make sure to go up 2-3 inches in the back to give a good secure attachment. Don’t simply wrap it around the strap holder. Think of it like roots on a tree. The longer ones support a large sturdy tree.
*Anchor it on the inside of the bag with a washer, knot or large wood toggle.
*Once the bag strap is in place close it off to create a secure circle around the hardware.
Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
ch = chain hdc = half double crochet dc = double crochet sl st = slip stitch Wrapped dc = insert hook under and between the front-facing V’s of the previous stitch, complete double crochet — creates a decorative wrapped effect and reduces stretch
Free Pattern — Slim No Stretch Crochet Bag Strap
Strap is worked lengthwise rather than short back and forth row stitches.
Crochet desired length with your small hook. (go smaller than the recommended size on your yarn label).
Row 1: in second chain from hook, hdc across row. chain 2 turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, dc under and between the front facing V’s creating a wrapped effect. The arrow is pointing between front facing v’s where you insert the hook. Work the dc across row. Turn. Do no chain 1.
Row 3: slip stitch across row to finish.
Because this bag strap is worked “sideways”, it prevents the pull of the stitches as an added sturdy strap bonus!
You may also like this Tunisian stitch strap worked with a regular crochet hook.
Watch the video tutorial of these 4 steps below.
Watch the No Stretch Crochet Bag Strap Video Tutorial
More No Stretch Crochet Bag Strap Tutorials
This is one of five no stretch strap options in the Live Chill Life strap series. Compare all five and choose the right one for your bag:
- All 5 no stretch strap styles compared — full comparison guide
- Thermal stitch strap — low stretch with woven look, hardware attachment
- Woven look no hardware strap — sturdiest option, worked directly into bag
- Advanced woven look strap — more challenging woven structure
- Tunisian no stretch strap — woven look without a Tunisian hook
Bag patterns that use this slim decorative strap:
- Camellia Designer Crochet Handbag
- Topaz Crossbody Bag
- Crochet wristlet using this no stretch slim wrist strap
